a field guide to texas mountain lions - tpw magazine

TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE

By billy pat m ckinney

A Field Guide To

texas mountain lions

acknowledgements

I wish to thank Texas Parks and Wildlife Department employees BobCook, Bob West, Ron George, Matt Wagner, Jack Kilpatric, Bill Russ,Mike Pittman, Tim Bone, Ruben Cantu, Georg Zappler and DavidRiskind for their assistance and review of this manuscript. Thanks arealso due Jimmy Rutledge, TPWD, for his contribution on the biologyof the mountain lion and to Bonnie R. McKinney, TPWD, for thetime and work she contributed to this guide.

table of contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1Mountain Lion Biology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Behavioral Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Aging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Tracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Traveling Patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Scrapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Scats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Kills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Wildlife Predation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17Livestock Depredation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17Nuisance Lions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Lion and Human Interaction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Who to Call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .inside back coverSuggested Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .inside back cover

Rock art depicting large cat and shaman (medicine man) from Panther Cave, SeminoleCanyon State Park, Texas. Illustration by Nola Davis.

INTRODUCTION

The mountain lion (Puma concolor), also known as cougar, puma and panther, hasbeen an integral part of the Texas fauna for thousands of years, as evidenced by thepaintings and pictographs of Native Americans (see left) and the fossil record.

Lions were once common throughout Texas, but since Anglo settlement, they havemostly been confined to isolated and rugged areas of the state. Lions now appear tobe moving back into historic habitats where they have not been documented forwell over a hundred years. It is increasingly more important for range and wildlifemanagers to be able to recognize lion “sign,” in order to monitor populations in agiven area. Lions are solitary, secretive creatures. This guide attempts to providefield people with a working knowledge of the mountain lion. It is not intended forthe experts, but rather for laypersons in order to provide them with the basics oflion behavior, allowing them to interpret the traces left by the animal.

Mountain lions are controversial animals that often evoke love-hate feelings onthe part of humans. Whatever one’s perspective, however, mountain lions are fascinating and little understood animals that play an important role in the Texasecosystem. The mountain lion is adaptable and can be found thriving in hotdeserts, wetlands and high mountains. The challenge for resource managers is todevelop a management plan for the lion that will address the concerns of bothwildlife and livestock, and that will insure that the lion continues to be an important part of our Texas heritage.

a f i e l d g u i d e t o t e x a s m o u n t a i n l i o n s 1

MOUNTAIN LION BIOLOGY

The mountain lion’s scientific name, Puma concolor, means cat of one color (Figure1). Mountain lions are also called pumas, cougars and panthers. They occur inhabitats ranging from the southern tip of South America to northern BritishColumbia, Canada. The subspecies found in Texas is stanleyana. Historical datadocuments the existence of lions in every ecological region in Texas.

Mountain lions are reddish brown to tawny in color. From the tip of the nose tothe tip of the tail, males can measure in excess of 7 feet, with females being some-what smaller. Normal weight in adult males averages 100-150 pounds, and 55-90pounds in adult females. In the wild, longevity ranges between 10 and 11 years; incaptivity, mountain lions have been known to live much longer.

Mountain lions are solitary animals. They are active crepuscularly (mornings andevenings) as well as nocturnally (night). Adult males and females are only togetherfor a 3-to-5-day period during breeding. Lions may breed at any time during theyear, but most litters are born in the summer and fall. Females first breed whenthey are around 2 years of age. Intervals between litters average from 18 months to2 years. Average litter size is normally 2 to 3 young with as many as 6 young beingreported. The gestation period is about 90 days. Female lions pick locations withintheir home range that offer cover and security for their young. Kittens may be left

a f i e l d g u i d e t o t e x a s m o u n t a i n l i o n s2

Fig. 1. Puma concolor. Photo by Billy Pat McKinney.

unattended for hours at a time while the mother hunts to feed them. Females mayleave their kittens in heavy brush, rockslides, caves or overhangs (Figure 2). Thegrowing cubs stay with the female until they are 11 to 24 months of age, at whichtime they disperse and begin looking for their own range. Dispersal of young lionsdepends on the distance to unoccupied habitat. Recent research has documenteddispersal distance up to 300 air miles from natal (birth) areas. Generally, sub-adultmales disperse further than females.

The size of a lion’s home range is determined by a variety of factors: prey abun-dance and availability, topography and other habitat features, and presence of otherlions. Male home ranges average 2-1/2 times larger than those of females. Themale’s range usually encompasses the range of several females. Research has shownsome overlap in home ranges of adult males, but normally males do not shareranges. The home range of an adult male may vary from 80 to 200 square miles,while female ranges are normally 20 to 100 square miles. Female ranges tend tohave some degree of overlap with those of other females, although they remainsolitary.


Fig. 2. Typical den sight. Photo by Billy Pat McKinney.

In Texas, mountain lions primarily prey on white-tailed deer (Odocoileusvirginianus) and desert mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus crooki). Various estimateshave been made concerning how often a lion kills a deer, ranging from every 3 to 5 days, for a female raising cubs, to every 5 to 14 days for adult males. Some vari-ability may be attributed to climatic conditions. During hot weather, the kill spoilsquickly, making it necessary for the lion to kill more often to obtain fresh meat. Incooler weather, the kill lasts longer, which decreases the frequency of killing.Depending on the abundance and availability of alternative prey items within aparticular habitat, lions also prey on javelina (Tayassu tajacu), porcupine (Erethizondorsatum), skunks (Mephitis spp. and Spilogale spp.), other small game and domesticlivestock.

BEHAVIORAL CLASSES

In order to make competent observations, the field observer should be aware ofthree behavioral classes of lions. These categories are extremely important wheninterpreting lion population dynamics.

1. A transient is a lion without a home range. This can be a young dispersal-ageindividual or an older lion that has been displaced. Lions of this class will travelmany miles to establish a suitable new range. Young dispersal-age lions needsufficient space in order for them to coexist with other lions. Young lions willsometimes fill a range previously occupied by a resident lion that has died orrelocated. This transition period in a young lion’s life is a struggle for survival,since they have not perfected their hunting and stalking skills. They are apt tolocate in a livestock area because of the ease of catching prey. Consequently,many are destroyed because of their dependence on livestock. Often, there isconflict between a young lion encroaching on a resident lion’s range. Such anencounter is often fatal to the young individual, but older lions are sometimesdisplaced by younger, stronger males. Females may also be displaced. Lions facehardships and stress during displacement periods, and few survive long unlessthere is ample prey and range available.

2. A resident is a mature lion that has an established home range. As solitary ani-mals, lions do not defend their home range. However, they will visit and huntall areas within their established range, and when other lions are encountered,conflicts occur. The abundance of prey will help determine how small or large ahome range is.


Resident male lions know the whereabouts of females within their range andwill occasionally seek them out. Likewise, resident females are aware of thelocation of resident males. This awareness is important not only for breedingpurposes, but also for the female ready to give birth, since she must protect heryoung from the males that periodically visit her home range.

3. An immature lion is too young to hunt on its own, and thus depends on thefemale to provide for it. Young kittens rely totally on their mother for survival.As kittens age, they begin to take small game on their own, but continue torely on the female for sustenance.

AGING

Classifying mountain lions intoage groups has been confusingsince there are no set standards.For example, the term “kitten” hasbeen applied to animals ranginganywhere from newborn up to twoyears in age.

Mountain lions are separated intothree general age groups based ona number of different factors(Table 1). Adult lions are dividedinto five age categories based ontooth wear and condition (Table 2and Figure 3). Both tables andFigure 3 are reprinted with permis-sion from The Mountain Lion inNevada, Nevada Department ofWildlife, 1983.



KITTENS: (0-16 MONTHS)

1. Body weight – up to 32 kg (70 pounds).2. Spots on pelage – fading begins by 3-4 months of age.3. Dependent on adult female.4. Baby teeth present or permanent teeth in the process of erupting.5. Even if all permanent teeth are present, canines are not fully grown –

canine length under 28 mm in males and under 23 mm in females.

SUBADULT: (17-23 MONTHS; JUVENILE PERIOD IS COMPLETED BUT

HAS NOT ATTAINED TYPICAL ADULT CHARACTERISTICS)

1. Body weight – 23-45 kg (50-100 pounds).2. Spots on pelage still visible on inside of front legs.3. May or may not be with adult female.4. Not sexually mature – females not nursing.5. Teeth are ivory white – not stained.

ADULTS: (24 MONTHS OR OLDER)

1. Body weight – 32-68 kg (70-150 pounds).2. Pelage has no spots or only very faint spots.3. Independent of mother.4. Sexually mature – evidence of nursing in females, e.g. large teats (may

not be evident in young females just entering this age group).5. Tooth wear and staining.

Table 1. General classification of mountain lions by age group.


Table 2. Age estimation of adult lions based on tooth wear and condition.

2 YEARS OLD

1. Canines are white, no stains.2. No wear on first and second incisors; third incisor may show slight wear.3. Tips of canines show little wear.

3 AND 4 YEARS OLD

1. Canines lightly stained.2. Slight wear on third incisor at highest point of crown. Area of wear

averages 1-4 mm across.3. First and second incisors show little or no wear.4. Tips of canines show little or no wear.

5 AND 6 YEARS OLD

1. Canines show moderate staining.2. Third incisor worn to within 1-4 mm of top of first and second incisors.3. Incisors #1 and #2 have little to moderate wear along crown.4. Tips of canines show obvious wear.

7 TO 9 YEARS OLD

1. Canines show dark staining.2. Third incisor often worn level with first and second incisors down to

1-4 mm above gum line.3. Tips of canines nearly rounded or flattened.4. Dentine exposed on incisors.

10+ YEARS OLD

1. All incisors worn nearly to gum line, or missing.2. Canines worn to a rounded or blunt shape and darkly stained.


Fig. 3. Frontal view of upper teeth of female and male mountain lion showing ageclass by relative wear.

Drawing based on illustration from The Mountain Lion in Nevada, with permis-sion from the Nevada Department of Wildlife, 1983.

FEMALETEETH

MALETEETH

TRACKS

Lions are rarely seen in the wild, even in areas with relatively high lion popula-tions. The “sign” or traces a lion leaves is the sure way to confirm its presence(Figure 4). Time, wind and rain all deteriorate sign. Therefore, every effort shouldbe made to check on reports of lions as soon as possible.

Lion tracks are distinctive and should not be mistaken for tracks of other animals.One misconception is that lion tracks are larger than dog tracks. Large huntingdogs can make tracks as large or larger than those of a lion. The heel pad of a lionmeasures 2 to 3 inches in width on the front foot, and 1-3/4 to 2 inches on thehind foot.

A tell-tale characteristic of a lion track is the three distinct lobes and two indenta-tions at the hind margin of the heel pad (Figure 5). The lion heel pad is more fullthan a dog’s, and the front track is larger than the hind track. The toes of a liontrack tend to be teardrop-shaped and widely spaced, whereas the toes of a dog track


Fig. 4. Mountain lion track.

are round and narrowly spaced. The front track of a lion is nearly symmetrical,whereas the rear track is slightly smaller in the front. The typical dog track is nearly symmetrical, and there is little difference in size between the front and rear track.

When observing tracks, look for the presence or absence of claw marks. Dog tracksnormally show toenail prints. However, lion tracks rarely reveal claw marks, unlessthe lion is running or has lost its footing. Some hunting dogs won’t leave toenailmarks if their nails are worn down or if they are on frozen ground. If claw marks arepresent, the lion’s will appear sharp and narrow, while the dog’s toenail marks willbe broader.

Bobcat (Lynx rufus) tracks appear similar to lion tracks, but they are much smaller.The front pad of a bobcat is seldom wider than 1-1/4 inches and the toes are nar-rowly spaced. A lion kitten track is 1-1/2 inches in width at around 6 months ofage, and their tracks are normally found with the adult female’s tracks.

With practice and experience, it is not difficult to pick out a lion track from amongmany other similar tracks (Figure 6).


Fig. 5. Lion tracks.

FRONT HIND


FRONT

HIND

BOBCAT COYOTE DOG MOUNTAINLION

Fig. 6. Comparison of tracks by bobcat, coyote, dog and mountain lion.Illustration by Bonnie R. McKinney.

TRAVELING PATTERNS

Lions travel in a deliberate, “businesslike” manner compared to dogs or coyotes(Canis latrans). They seldom run, except when trying to catch prey or escapingtheir enemies. The nature of a lion is to walk slowly, ever watchful for the opportu-nity to catch prey. Therefore, most tracks will be a walking track. When walking, alion travels in a straight line, and its feet are placed firmly on the ground, leavingno disturbance outside the track. The hind foot of a lion registers partially or totally within the front track. Therefore, the hind track is most commonly seen.The walking stride of a lion leaves tracks about 20-24 inches apart.

Lions take the easiest path while making their rounds. The best places to look forlion sign are along trails, roads, natural passes, canyons, senderos and arroyos.

It is easiest to spot tracks while looking into the direction of the sun. Tracks willliterally “shine” when the sun reflects on them. Lion tracks, as a rule, don’t makedeep marks except in soft material, since their large feet spread the weight outevenly.

Dogs or coyotes usually travel in a lope or trot, and they often stir up dirt. Thehind and front tracks don’t overlap with the consistency that lion tracks do. Dogsusually travel without a definite direction, and their tracks often weave back andforth.

SCRAPES

Lions leave scrapes (Figure 7) or “markers” in areas where other lions can locatethem. Consequently, the location of scrapes is predictable. Scrapes can be found incaves, on ridge-lines, at junctions in canyons and along trails. A scrape is made bythe hind feet in a backwards kicking motion. The two scrape marks are about 6-8 inches in length and parallel to each other. Each scrape is distinguished by amound of urine-soaked debris towards the back. Generally, males make scrapes, butoccasionally females will make scrapes too.

If wild turkeys (Melagris gallopavo) or feral hogs (Sus scrofa) are in an area where alion is suspected, people may confuse the lion scrape with turkey scratching or hogrooting and vice versa. Lions seldom leave more than one fresh scrape at a site, but


there may be several older ones at the same site, as male lions usually leave ascrape each time they pass through an area. Scrapes can be good indicators ofdirection of travel since the mound of debris is always at the rear.

SCATS

Lion scats are similar to those of a bobcat, but larger (Figure 8). Each dropping issegmented and contains very little vegetable matter. The type of scat indicates thetime elapsed since the lion’s last kill. Lions normally feed first on the internalorgans of their prey, and scats from this feeding consist mostly of gray matter mixedwith some hair. Scats from later feedings consist of bone chips and hair. The lastfeeding often contains hair only. Grass may also be found in lion scats. Scats can befound under overhangs, near kills and in caves where they will last for manymonths. Finding scats is one method of determining the presence of lions in anarea of low lion populations. Lions will leave scats in arroyos, on trails and nearscrapes. There is usually a large concentration of scats around kills.


Fig. 7. Lion scrape. Photo by Mike Pittman.


Fig. 8. Scat comparisons. Photos by Bonnie R. McKinney.

MOUNTAIN LION BOBCAT

DOG COYOTE

KILLS

Lions are opportunists, preying on a wide range of animals. As with any carnivore,it is impossible to predict what a lion will prey upon at a given time.

Lions are capable of taking large animals including livestock, but in general,reports of mature cattle and horse kills should be viewed with skepticism.Mountain lions rarely kill animals weighing over 500 pounds.

When investigating a reported lion kill, remember that lions leave an abundanceof sign. Look for tracks. Drag marks are a good indication of a lion kill. The dragmark is usually wide and clear if the prey is large, and it is fairly straight from thekill site to the cache area (Figure 9). Lions cache their kills in areas of heavy cover.They often cover their kill with grass, leaves, dirt or other debris, but they do notbury their kill (Figure 10). They often remove the internal organs and cover themup, close to the kill site. Lions frequently uncover their kill and feed, then drag thecarcass to another area and cover it again.


Fig. 9. Drag marks made by lion dragging prey – mule deer buck. Photo by Billy Pat McKinney.

Lions stalk their prey. They often kill by crushing their prey’s esophagus, causingsuffocation. Another killing technique is biting the neck, thus separating the verte-brae. In some cases, lions bite through the brain case. When investigating a kill,skin back the bitten area and look at the size of the two canine puncture marks. Alion has large canine teeth, and each puncture mark should be about the diameterof a pencil. The bite marks of other predators are much smaller.

Lions are meticulous about their kills compared to other carnivores. The carcassnormally remains intact as the lion begins to feed at the shoulders and ribs, eventu-ally moving to the hindquarters and loin area on subsequent meals. Remember,there are exceptions: lions don’t always cover their kill and they don’t always eatwhat they kill, but they always leave sign. With careful investigation, confirmationof whether the kill was made by a lion or another predator should be possible.


Fig. 10. Mule deer buck killed by lion. Photo by Billy Pat McKinney.

WILDLIFE PREDATION

DEERWhenever and wherever available, deer are the choice prey for mountain lions. Ingeneral, deer kills are made one at a time, but occasionally, females with cubs killseveral deer at a time, caching the carcasses in different locations. Lions normallycover deer kills. They will take any deer, regardless of size or sex. Kills may betotally consumed in some cases, leaving little more than a hair-bed and bone chips.

JAVELINALions prey on all age classes of javelina and they often cover these kills. A largepercentage of javelina are killed by bites to the brain case. Most javelina kills consist of one animal at a time, and lions often “hull out” this prey, leaving whatappears to be a skinned javelina. Lions that prey predominantly on javelinas tendto have a large amount of scar tissue on their chest due to tusk wounds made byjavelinas in self defense.

DESERT BIGHORN SHEEPLion predation on desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis), normally consists of single animals with most of the kill being eaten and the remainder covered. Allbighorn age groups are preyed on with more lambs, young rams and ewes takenthan mature rams.

SMALL GAME Lions consume all manner of small game. They especially prey on skunks, porcu-pines, and rabbits. Sub-adult lions rely heavily on small prey until they are skillfulenough to take large game regularly. Lions are able to attain advanced age in areaswhere small game is readily available, sometimes becoming exclusively dependenton this type of prey.

LIVESTOCK DEPREDATION

SHEEPSheep kills are usually multiple. It is not uncommon to find up to 30 sheep killedby a single lion, but normally only one or two sheep are fed on. Lions return tofeed on these kills and at the same time may kill more sheep. All age classes ofsheep are preyed on with lambs being fed on more than older sheep. Lions do not


cover all their sheep kills, usually only their chosen meals. Some lions becomehabituated to preying on sheep.

GOATSKills are often multiple, but not quite as dramatic as sheep kills. However, kills offive to ten goats at one time are not uncommon. Lions tend to eat more from agoat kill than a sheep kill, and all age classes of goats are taken.

CATTLELions usually kill individual cattle, but multiple kills have been documented.Yearlings and young calves are the primary age group attacked. Kills are fed on andare usually covered. Calf kills have been found that were not covered or eaten.This may have been due to the mother cow’s attempt to fight off the lion. Cattledepredation in Texas is uncommon compared to sheep and goat kills. Cattle andlions coexist with little interaction in many areas.

HORSESLion predation on horses has been well documented through the years. Foals,young colts and fillies are the primary prey when available. Their long necks anddeer-like size seem to make them very attractive and relatively easy prey for lions.Adult horses are occasionally taken by lions and some may show the scars of anunsuccessful attempt. However, lion predation on horses is not as common as itwas years ago. The mechanization of ranching operations has decreased the needfor horses, and many ranches are buying fully-grown trained horses instead of raising brood stock.

NUISANCE LIONS

“Nuisance” lions habitually prey on livestock or otherwise interact with humansand require removal. There are many methods to deal with these animals, and it isnot always necessary to destroy them in order to solve the problem. Live captureand relocation is a possibility in some instances. However, each case is differentand, if a lion has to be destroyed, it should be done in a humane manner.

Trained lion dogs (Figure 11) are an excellent way to capture a problem lion, sincelittle lasting trauma occurs. This is also the only selective method which insuresthat only the targeted lion is affected. However, it is expensive to train and keep apack of lion dogs for this purpose.


Leghold snares (Figure 12) work well but should only be employed by professionals.Other species are often caught by mistake and can usually be released unharmed.


Fig. 11. Trained lion dogs holding a lion at bay. Photo by Billy Pat McKinney.

Fig. 12. Leghold snare. Photo by Billy Pat McKinney.

Leghold traps (Figure 13) work well when employed by professionals, but non-professional use often results in capture of non-target species.

Box traps (Figure 14) have been used successfully by agencies for live lion capture inurban areas. This method works best when employed during cooler seasons, whenbait will not spoil quickly. Non-target species can easily be released unharmed.


Fig. 13. Leghold trap #4-1/2. Photo by Billy Pat McKinney.

Fig. 14. Box trap for live capture. Photo by Ray Skiles.

LION AND HUMAN INTERACTION

Mountain lions rarely interact with humans; however, with the ever-growinghuman population, the frequency of encounters between lions and humans inTexas is likely to increase. Many ranchette-type subdivisions and urban fringe areasare expanding into lion habitat. Deer feeding and reduced hunting activity willincrease deer populations in these areas, attracting lions. As more people use hiking trails, the potential for lion and human confrontation is also increased.However, the general public should not be alarmed into thinking that mountainlions are a threat to their well being. As stated previously, lion-human interactionsare rare.

WARNING INDICATIONS THAT MAY PRECEDE A LION-HUMAN ENCOUNTER

1. A large number of lion sightings in an area frequented by humans.2. Disappearance of pet cats and dogs from yards.3. Lions which appear to have lost their normal fear of humans. (In most cases

this lion will be a juvenile male or escaped pet).

IF YOU LIVE IN AN AREA KNOWN TO BE INHABITED BY LIONS, THEREARE SEVERAL PRECAUTIONS YOU CAN TAKE. THESE PREVENTIVE

ACTIONS WILL HELP YOU AVOID A POSSIBLE LION ATTACK:

1. Install outdoor lighting in areas where you walk after dark so you can see alion, if present.

2. Landscape or remove any vegetation a lion could hide in around children’s playareas. Make it difficult for a lion to approach unseen.

3. DO NOT FEED WILDLIFE and do not plant palatable shrubs since this willalso attract deer. Remember, predators follow prey.

4. Keep pets under control. Roaming pets are easy prey and can attract lions. Ifyou leave pets outside, confine them to kennels with tops. Store all garbagesecurely.

5. Children should be closely supervised while playing outside if lions have beenseen in the area.


WHAT TO DO IF YOU ENCOUNTER A MOUNTAIN LION

There are no proven actions to minimize an attack if you meet a lion, but reportsbased on personal observation by people who have encountered lions provide useful suggestions. Remember every incident is different, depending on the specificlion, the particular person and their individual behaviors.

1. If you are in a park or other area where lions are known to be present, hikewith others, not alone. If small children are present, keep them close to youand within sight at all times. Carry a sturdy walking stick, it can be used toward off a lion.

2. DO NOT APPROACH A LION, especially one that is feeding or has cubs.Leave the lion an avenue of escape.

3. STAY CALM, when you encounter a lion. Talk calmly and move slowly.

4. STOP, back away slowly only if you can do so safely. DO NOT RUN AWAYOR TURN YOUR BACK.

5. DO ALL YOU CAN TO APPEAR LARGER by raising your arms. Pick upchildren to prevent them from running and possibly triggering an attack.

6. IF THE LION IS AGGRESSIVE, throw rocks, sticks or whatever you can getyour hands on easily. Wave your arms, brandish a stick, speak firmly and loudly.DO NOT BEND OVER OR TURN YOUR BACK.

7. FIGHT BACK, if a lion attacks you. Lions can be driven off by fighting backwith whatever you can get your hands on. Remain standing. If the lion knocksyou down, try to get back on your feet.


WHO TO CALL

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is responsible for manag-ing, conserving and protecting the state’s wildlife. You can help too.

If you encounter a lion in a park or other public use area, contactuniformed personnel immediately. If you experience an attack, imme-diately contact your local TEXAS GAME WARDEN, SHERIFF’SDEPARTMENT OR DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY(DPS). For confirmed lion sightings, we encourage you to submit awritten sighting report to the address below or call the Texas Parksand Wildlife Department.

Texas Parks and Wildlife DepartmentWildlife Division

4200 Smith School RoadAustin, Texas 78744

Phone: 1-800-792-1112

SUGGESTED READING

Anderson, A.E. 1983. A critical review of literature on puma (Felis con-color). Colorado Division of Wildlife. Special Report #54: 91 pp.

Shaw, Harley 1989. Soul Among Lions. Johnson Books. Boulder,Colorado. 140 pp.

Tinsley, Jim B. 1987. The Puma: Legendary Lion of the Americas. TexasWestern Press: University of Texas at El Paso. 142 pp.

4200 Smith School RoadAustin, Texas 78744

PWD BK W7000-274 (10/03)In accordance with Texas State Depository Law, thispublication is available at the Texas State PublicationsClearinghouse and/or Texas Depository Libraries.

NOTICETexas Parks and Wildlife Department receives federal financial assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Under TitleVI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the U.S. Department of the Interiorand its bureaus prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex (in educational programs).If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any Texas Parks and Wildlife Department program, activity, or facility,or if you desire further information, please call or write: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office for Diversity and Civil RightsPrograms- External Programs, 4040 N. Fairfax Drive, Webb 300, Arlington, VA 22203, (703) 358-1724.

a field guide to texas mountain lions - tpw magazine

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